Is there a special speed limit on roundabouts?
Discussion
V8 Archie said:
Can you still cut across the roundabout if no one is behind you? (i.e. not stay in your lane)
Not recommended in MK. We're not talking mini roundabouts here.
But yes, as long as you check mirrors and blind spot an advanced driving examiner would expect you to straightline a large roundabout.
Mr E said:
stuuu said:
Can you still cut across the roundabout if no one is behind you? (i.e. not stay in your lane)
Not recommended in MK. We're not talking mini roundabouts here
But yes, as long as you check mirrors and blind spot an advanced driving examiner would expect you to straightline a large roundabout.
Are you sure, I'd be suprised.
stuuu said:
Can you still cut across the roundabout if no one is behind you? (i.e. not stay in your lane)
Most definately. So long as you do not hinder anybody else, or cause them to take any action (i.e. brake if you cut them up) you can...indeed should "straight line" a roundabout.
It's the sort of thing you will be picked up on by the IAM etc. if you DONT do it!!!!
(PS: Nowhere in the IAM does it mention hitting the apex, nailing the throttle, and sliding the tail round as you exit the roundabout to screaming passengers and loads of grins)
V8 Archie said:
Can you still cut across the roundabout if no one is behind you? (i.e. not stay in your lane)
Not recommended in MK. We're not talking mini roundabouts here
Wish you’d come and tell that to the majority of people who live in MK. Most people seem to think that if they sort of stick to one lane, but actually take up both, they’re not doing anyone any harm, however they forget about the poor sod they’ve just cut up in the inside lane.
Some of these newly surfaced roundabouts (I was mentioning earlier) have actually got lane markings, clearly defining lanes on the roundabout. Still most people ignore them and straddle both.!
As I keep telling my G/F – either (if it’s clear) completely cut the roundabout (i.e straight line it) or stick to your lane completely, not a half hearted attempt of the two.
She’s learning…
jj
They can't do you for speeding if the roundabout has the same limit as the entry and exit roads, however they can do you for Due Care or Dangerous Driving (or whatever this year's names for them are).
I know some officers take a very dim view of breaking traction / sliding.
(Fortunately I do not speak from experience on that)
I know some officers take a very dim view of breaking traction / sliding.
(Fortunately I do not speak from experience on that)
tonyhetherington said:
Are you sure, I'd be suprised.
Positive!
(trying to find some sort of link to it now)
The only reason for my suprise is I expected the IAM to be more formal about lane discipline - some what highwaycodeish about it.
Obvously you need both lanes for a good drift but I don't suppose the IAM encourage that.
Mr E said:
stuuu said:
Can you still cut across the roundabout if no one is behind you? (i.e. not stay in your lane)
Not recommended in MK. We're not talking mini roundabouts here
But yes, as long as you check mirrors and blind spot an advanced driving examiner would expect you to straightline a large roundabout.
I have always straightlined roundabouts so long as there is no one else near enough to be inconvenienced or concerned by my action.
Best wishes all,
Dave.
But it’s all to do with making progress and car sympathy. By straight lining the roundabout, you are shaving a nano second off your journey, but it’s still a nano second, and causing less stress on components like steering, tyres, etc as you are effectively going straight, rather than round. Whilst making the best progress. It also gives you a line of sight advantage as well.
It’s the same as some ‘S’ bends, which, on many of my IAM lesson’s I was taught when conditions are right (and this is where you HAVE to be careful, as really small things can go against you) it is OK to straight line an S-bend. I Can not stress enough, ‘when conditions are right’, but this IS acceptable.
jj
It’s the same as some ‘S’ bends, which, on many of my IAM lesson’s I was taught when conditions are right (and this is where you HAVE to be careful, as really small things can go against you) it is OK to straight line an S-bend. I Can not stress enough, ‘when conditions are right’, but this IS acceptable.
jj
It's all here: www.highwaycode.gov.uk/17.shtml|Highway Code Rules 160ish plus.
It now says you need to stay in the same lane all the way round...
It now says you need to stay in the same lane all the way round...
Dibble said:
It's all here: www.highwaycode.gov.uk/17.shtml|Highway Code Rules 160ish plus.
It now says you need to stay in the same lane all the way round...
However it doesn't say you "must" which is the highway code language for a legal requirement.
You're right, I'm tired (not much sleep, on 12 hour nights).
HC "adjust your speed and position to fit in with traffic conditions"
"check whether road markings allow you to enter the roundabout without giving way. If so, proceed, but still look to the right before joining"
"select the appropriate lane on approach to and on the roundabout, signalling as necessary
stay in this lane until you need to alter course to exit the roundabouWhen taking any intermediate exit"
HC "adjust your speed and position to fit in with traffic conditions"
"check whether road markings allow you to enter the roundabout without giving way. If so, proceed, but still look to the right before joining"
"select the appropriate lane on approach to and on the roundabout, signalling as necessary
stay in this lane until you need to alter course to exit the roundabouWhen taking any intermediate exit"
trooper1212 said:
However it doesn't say you "must" which is the highway code language for a legal requirement.
Now, If you entered a busy roundabout, and cut across all lanes with the tail out on full throttle, I'd expect the police to take a dim view.
If you're approaching a large roundie with no lights, and have good visability, as long as it's clear - why follow those dotted line things?
Again, I must stress observation is key, and I certainly don't do it if other cars are around.
SJobson said:
Surely the IAM don't recommend straighlining roundabouts where lane markings are painted on them? The change in grip as you go across the markings would be sufficient reason for me not to do so.
And keeping it straight vs. making unnecessary turns of the steering wheel wouldn't? Much safer in a straight line I reckons, mitigate risk etc.
Dave
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